Upgrade using downloaded $40 to Win8 x64 to blank SSD using only retail 32Bit XP install CD

Posted by Ron on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Ron
Published on 2012-11-14T16:05:21Z Indexed on 2012/11/14 17:07 UTC
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Here is my situation.

Purchase the downloadable $40 UPGRADE version of Windows 8.

Install this upgrade to a new/blank SSD drive WITHOUT prior installation of retail version of XP/service pack 3 (prefered).

I have the retail purchased 32Bit XP installation media and I also have a slipstreamed disc that contains service pack 2. This 32bit XP license was installed to a desktop PC that I have NOT used for years (its broke).

Questions:

Can I upgrade using the $40 download upgrade version from retail 32Bit XP to 64Bit Windows 8 directly to new SSD? without first installing 32bit XP to new SSD? If 32bit XP needs to be installed to perform the upgrade to 64bit Win 8 is service XP service pack 3 still available; likewise, if the boxed retail version of XP 32bit is required to be pre-installed to the new SSD before attempting the downoladed $40 upgrade to 64Bit Win, can a clean install be performed or is a undesired actual upgrade performed?

From what I have read this is way to complicated. Ideally, I should be able to install $40 upgrade version Win 64bit directly to new/blank SSD, then during the license verification process enter both the Win8 64Bit upgrade key and retail XP 32bit key (over internet or phone call).

Thanks Very Much In Advance for any insight!! Regards, Ron

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